Buncrana Robin goes ‘viral’
Donal Kearney holding a framed print alongside the image of the robin on Castle Bridge at Swan Park, Buncrana
Buncrana man Donal Kearney’s photo of a robin taken in Swan Park last week has been been viewed by more than two million people around the world.
“Since posting the photo it’s been viewed over two million times and shared in Europe, Australia, America, Dubai, the UK and Canada,” said Donal.
Donal, a respite care worker, has been taken by surprise by the success of his photo.
“I’ve photographed many, many places and things and engagement is always great but not on this scale.”
“The photo is still flying on my page,” said Donal, an avid amateur photographer whose photos can be seen on Facebook at Donal Kearney’s Phone Photographs.
He has been amazed by the reaction to his photograph of a robin at snow-covered Swan Park in the town Tuesday.
“Like everyone else I had a ‘snow day’ off. I was out for a walk around Swan Park, I met my neighbour Michelle Kelly, and as we were talking on Castle Bridge the Robin landed beside us,” said Donal
“After a few attempts of trying to photograph it on my phone before it flew off a little it finally settled. It was like it knew I wanted a photo but it was definitely not playing the game!”
Modestly, Donal said he’s not a photographer with a camera but simply enjoys taking photos on his phone.
“I just use my phone for all my photographs, it’s a Samsung s22 Pro.”
As to why the ‘Robin in the Snow’ photo has proved so incredibly successful Donal isn’t entirely sure.
“I honestly don’t know. A lot of the comments suggest that the photo makes people think of someone who has passed away, as a Robin symbolises a spiritual visit from a deceased loved one.”
“Others just seemed to like the composition, so I honestly can’t answer that one.”
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